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“It will be lovely to see him again,” said Cowley. “He started the season really well but unfortunately broke his hand. He played a massive part in our success, particularly in our first season. We wouldn’t be in the Football League without his efforts.”

Saturday’s team almost picks itself after Cowley left most of his first-team regulars at home for Tuesday’s Checkatrade Trophy tie at Accrington.

The biggest selection question marks hang over the goalkeeper and the central midfielders.

As the club awaits the result of the scan on Josh Vickers’ trouble thigh injury, Sam Slocombe and Grant Smith are on standby to play.

Josh Vickers and Paul Farman (Image: Chris Vaughan/CameraSport)

Cowley must also decide which two of Lee Frecklington, Tom Pett and Michael O’Connor play in midfield, unless he decides to field all three at the expense of Shay McCartan.

As Stevenage have not played since November 27 due to being eliminated from the FA Cup and Checkatrade Trophy, Cowley insists it was imperative he rested key players against Accrington.

“That’s allowed us to do some preparation work,” said Cowley. “You’ve got to remember that Stevenage haven’t played for almost two weeks. They’ve had a good break going into Saturday.

Paul Farman

“If we’d gone with the full squad [at Accrington], it would have meant we’d played three more games than them in 14 days.

“We had to consider those things and make the right decision for our long-term aims.”

The Imps will be backed in big numbers at the Lamex Stadium after the club’s ticket allocation of 1,329 sold out.